Derek Rutherford is WA’s oldest school gardener at 84

At 84 years old, Derek Rutherford is the oldest employee in the State education system, as gardener at North Beach Primary School.

The West Australian

VideoAt 84 years old, Derek Rutherford is the oldest employee in the State education system, as gardener at North Beach Primary School.

He may be WA’s oldest school gardener but Derek Rutherford is not planning to hang up his tools any time soon.

The North Beach Primary School gardener, who turns 84 next month, is the Education Department’s oldest employee.

And Mr Rutherford loves his job so much he plans to keep working for a few years yet. The former farmer and gem shop owner was retired when he agreed to fill in for the school’s gardener for six weeks in 2008.

He still works three half-days a week. Students greet him by name when they see him.

“And they tell me all their stories, what they’ve done and what they’re going to do,” he said.

Deputy principal Mike Black said Mr Rutherford played a vital role.

“If we have a child who is feeling anxious or can’t settle in class, we’ll allow them to spend five or 10 minutes in the garden with Derek,” he said. “He’s loved by everybody.”